US7382929B2ExpiredUtilityA1

Spatial scan replication circuit

62
Assignee: PIXEL INSTR CORPPriority: May 22, 1989Filed: Oct 1, 2001Granted: Jun 3, 2008
Est. expiryMay 22, 2009(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Carl Cooper
H04N 7/0135H04N 3/34H04N 2201/0458H04N 1/409H04N 1/113H04N 3/26
62
PatentIndex Score
4
Cited by
292
References
192
Claims

Abstract

In an image replication circuit, the improvement of replicating a given element at a certain location with the most similar of surrounding sets of image elements.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the steps of:
 comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; 
 generating one or more additional pixels to create increased image resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison; and 
 said additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all of said central pixel and an additional portion of said central pixel and at least one of more of said neighboring pixels, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       16. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the steps of:
 comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; 
 illuminating one or more pixels to create increased resolution at least in part in response to said comparison, which illuminated pixels may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixels; and 
 said one or more pixels are spatially positioned and modulated in said improved image in one or more directions from said central pixel. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 16  wherein said illuminated pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 16  wherein said illuminated pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 16  where said illuminated pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 16  wherein said illuminated pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 16  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       32. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the steps of:
 comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; 
 turning on one or more pixels to create increased resolution at least in part in response to said comparison, which turned on pixels may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixel; and 
 said turned on pixels are spatially positioned and modulated in said improved image in one or more directions from said central pixel. 
 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 32  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 32  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 32  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is, generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 32  wherein said turned on pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 32  wherein said turned on pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       38. The method of  claim 32  where said turned on pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       39. The method of  claim 32  wherein said turned on pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scab line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       40. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       41. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       42. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       43. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       44. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphics display. 
     
     
       46. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 32  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       48. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the steps of:
 comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; 
 changing the value of one or more pixels to create increased resolution from a first value to a second value, at least in part in response to said comparison, which pixels with changed values may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixel; and 
 said pixels with changed value are spatially positioned and modulated in said improved image in one or more directions from said central pixel. 
 
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 48  wherein said change in the value of said pixels is caused at least in put by a change in the intensity and/or amplitude of the electron beam comprising a part of said device and used in displaying said pixels. 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 48  wherein said pixels with changed values are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 48  wherein said pixels with changed values are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 48  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 48  wherein said pixels with changed values are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       57. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       58. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       59. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       60. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       61. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       62. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       63. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       64. The method of  claim 48  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       65. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, wherein at least a portion of said first image contains one or more shades, including the steps of:
 comparing the shade of said central pixel with the shade of said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image to determine the difference in the shade between said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; 
 if said difference is below a threshold, comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; and 
 generating one or more additional pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, wherein the shade of said one or more additional pixels is based at least in part on the shade of said cetral pixel and/or the shade of one or more of said neighboring pixels in said first image. 
 
     
     
       66. The method of  claim 65  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       67. The method of  claim 65  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       68. The method of  claim 65  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       69. The method of  claim 65  wherein said additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       70. The method of  claim 65  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       71. The method of  claim 65  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       72. The method of  claim 65  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       73. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       74. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       75. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       76. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       77. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       78. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       79. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       80. The method of  claim 65  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       81. A method for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, wherein at least a portion of said first image includes color information, including the steps of:
 comparing the color information of said central pixel with the color information of said one or more neighboring pixels to determine the difference in the color information between said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; 
 if said difference is below a threshold, comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and, 
 generating one or more additional pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, wherein the color information of said one or more additional pixels is based at least in part on the color information of said central pixel and/or the color information of one or more of said neighboring pixels in said first image. 
 
     
     
       82. The method of  claim 81  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       83. The method of  claim 81  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       84. The method of  claim 81  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       85. The method of  claim 81  wherein said additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       86. The method of  claim 81  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       87. The method of  claim 81  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       88. The method of  claim 81  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       89. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       90. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       91. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       92. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       93. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       94. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       95. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       96. The method of  claim 81  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       97. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and 
 an element fill calculator for generating one or more additional pixels to create increased resolution at least in part in response to said comparison. 
 
     
     
       98. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       99. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       100. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       101. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       102. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       103. The apparatus of  claim 97  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image; in as one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       104. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       105. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       106. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       107. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       108. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       109. The apparatus of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       110. The method of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       111. The method of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       112. The method of  claim 97  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       113. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and, 
 an element fill calculator for illuminating one or more pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, which illuminated pixels may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixels. 
 
     
     
       114. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       115. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       116. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein at least one of said illuminated pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       117. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said illuminated pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       118. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said illuminated pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       119. The apparatus of  claim 113  where said illuminated pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       120. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said illuminated pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       121. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       122. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       123. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       124. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       125. The apparatus of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       126. The method of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       127. The method of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       128. The method of  claim 113  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       129. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and, 
 an element fill calculator for turning on one or more pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, which turned on pixels may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixels. 
 
     
     
       130. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       131. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       132. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein at least one of said turned on pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       133. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said turned on pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       134. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said turned on pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       135. The apparatus of  claim 129  where said turned on pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       136. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said turned on pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       137. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       138. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       139. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       140. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       141. The apparatus of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       142. The method of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       143. The method of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       144. The method of  claim 129  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       145. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and, 
 an element fill calculator for changing the value of one or more pixels to create increased resolution from a first value to a second value, at least in part in response to said comparison, which pixels with changed values may include one or more of said central pixel and/or said neighboring pixels. 
 
     
     
       146. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       147. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       148. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein at least one of said pixels with changed values is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       149. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said pixels with changed values are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       150. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said pixels with changed values are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       151. The apparatus of  claim 145  where said pixels with changed values are included, in such improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       152. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said pixels with changed values are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       153. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       154. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       155. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       156. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       157. The apparatus of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       158. The method of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       159. The method of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       160. The method of  claim 145  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       161. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, wherein at least a portion of said first image contains one or more shades, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing the shade of said central pixel with the shade of said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image to determine the difference in the shade between said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; 
 if said difference is threshold, means for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; and, 
 an element fill calculator for generating one or more additional pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, wherein the shade of said one or more additional pixels is based at least in part on the shade of said central pixel and/or the shade of one or more of said neighboring pixels in said first image. 
 
     
     
       162. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       163. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       164. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       165. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       166. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       167. The apparatus of  claim 161  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       168. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       169. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       170. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       171. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       172. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       173. The apparatus of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       174. The method of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       175. The method of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       176. The method of  claim 161  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer. 
     
     
       177. An apparatus for displaying a first image on a device as an improved image with increased resolution, which first image includes a central pixel and one or more neighboring pixels, wherein at least a portion of said first image includes color information, including the following:
 ranking circuitry for comparing the color information of said central pixel with the color information of said one or more neighboring pixels to determine the difference in the color information between said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels; 
 if said difference is below a threshold, means for comparing said central pixel and said one or more neighboring pixels in said first image; and, 
 an element fill calculator for generating one or more additional pixels to create increased resolution, at least in part in response to said comparison, wherein the color information of said one or more additional pixels is based at least in part on the color information of said central pixel and/or the color information of one or more of said neighboring pixels in said first image. 
 
     
     
       178. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is a combination including at least one of all and a portion of said central pixel and at least one of none, all and a portion of one or more of said neighboring pixels. 
     
     
       179. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       180. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein at least one of said additional pixels is generated in response to the weighted average of two or more of said compared pixels. 
     
     
       181. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said additional pixels are spatially positioned in said improved image in one or more directions, including a diagonal direction from said central pixel and/or positions along a sinusoidal path. 
     
     
       182. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said additional pixels are generated in one or more temporal dimensions relative to said central pixel. 
     
     
       183. The apparatus of  claim 177  where said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more intermediate image frames between an image frame including said central pixel and an image frame including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       184. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said additional pixels are included, in said improved image, in one or more scan lines between a scan line including said central pixel and a scan line including one or more of said neighboring pixels or other pixels. 
     
     
       185. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a flat panel. 
     
     
       186. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes an LCD. 
     
     
       187. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a CRT. 
     
     
       188. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a computer. 
     
     
       189. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a television. 
     
     
       190. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a graphic display. 
     
     
       191. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a raster device. 
     
     
       192. The apparatus of  claim 177  wherein said device for displaying said improved image includes a printer.

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